Comparing FPGA RTL to HLS C/C++ using a Networking Example
White Paper Comparing FPGA RTL to HLS C/C++ using a Networking Example Overview Most FPGA programmers believe that high-level tools always emit larger bitstreams as
WaveBox
Modular Direct RF Platform
Up to 12x 5 GSPS ADCs + 12x 9.7 GSPS DACs
Digital I/O Up to 1.2 Tb/s
Our Direct RF Products
RFX 880 + RFX 770
4 ADCs + 4 DACs w/400G I/O or PCIe Gen4 x8x8
Optional Integrated Nyquist Filter/Amp
RFX 881 + RFX 771
Up to 8x ADCs or DACs + Digital I/O
Optional Nyquist Filter/Amp, Up/Down Conversion
RFX 881/771 are Product Concepts
WaveBox
1U Enclosure w/ up to 3x RFX 880/881
2U Dual CPU w/up to 2x RFX 770/771
Mix, Amplify, and Digitize All in One Box
WaveBox Options Include RFX Modules with Built-in Mixers, Amplifiers/Filters, and Direct RF ADCs/DACs to Connect to your Antenna Systems to Reduce Complexity and Cost
A Compact, COTS Approach to Direct RF
We’ve combined our RF-focused RFX cards with a new family of modular enclosures and servers. Choose from RFX cards or add on an FPGA card for extra digital processing.
WaveBox builds on our experience with TeraBox (our FPGA-focused servers) to bring COTS to direct RF at a server level. As with TeraBox, our WaveBox family includes multiple form factors and internal configurations:
- WaveBox Gamma: 1U designed around RFX 880/770, with no-host architecture and QSFPs for I/O
- WaveBox Sigma: Server for RFX 881/771, with CPUs and PCIe interface
- Add FPGA-focused card like XUP-VV8 for additional programmable logic, connected to RFX over PCIe or QSFPs
Powered by 3rd Gen AMD Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC
WaveBox contains RF modules that are built around the powerful AMD RFSoC devices. We bring analog signals in, but it’s the direct RF chip approach that packs so much analog and digital functionality that many racks of previous equipment are no longer necessary!
- Lower power by eliminating JESD204 interfaces
- Smaller physical space
- Programmable (FPGA) logic for diverse requirements and emerging standards
- Built-in ARM processing lets you do more in a standalone deployment
A Modular Approach
With WaveBox, you’ve got options in the number of modules and type. You may want a box with just one RFX module to begin development, then add more. Or, you may need RF + FPGA, with the RFX module (or two) handling ADC and moving digitized packets over to an XUP-VV8 FPGA card for further digital processing.
Where WaveBox Fits
Processing analog RF used to require large, bulky equipment. For many applications, from Satcom to Quantum computing, much of this equipment has been reduced to a single chip, the revolutionary AMD RFSoC. However, there remains equipment like downconverters, amplifiers, and filtering that can take up space and add complexity.
That’s where we have brought in WaveBox, a modular RF processor with built-in mixing and amplifier/filtering in single chassis. The RFX modules that make up WaveBox are built from a COTS perspective—taking advantage of higher volume standard modules, avoiding ruggedized form factors, and yet retaining high performance in the critical analog signal path.
Our focus is on satellite communications ground stations and test/measurement including quantum computing. Any deployment that can take a rackmount chassis is an excellent fit for the compact WaveBox form factor.
Analog Features
Up to 12x ADCs and DACs per 1U
High analog port density, with an option for RFX 881/771 to have even more ports dedicated to ADCs or DACs
Built-in Amplifier/Filter
Configure modules to use your own filtering, or choose our built-in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Nyquist amplifier + filter
Built-in 35 GHz Up/Down Mixer
Up to 35 GHz to/from your antenna, converted to multiple channels as your application requires it.
Digital Features
Up to 1.2 TB/s digital bandwidth per 1U
Whether you need CPU-based or standalone architectures, WaveBox gives you a digital bandwidth advantage
Ecosystem of Partner IP
Getting data formatted, encrypted, and recorded to disk can involve significant development time using specialist firmware engineers. Reduce your time to market by using our partners for these components. They are familiar with the RFX family and are ready to take on your unique requirements!
Meet the WaveBox Family
WaveBox Gamma
WaveBox Sigma
This 1U enclosure is designed for users who don’t need a host CPU connected to the RFSoC modules.
Key features:
- Up to 6x QSFP-DDs for 12x 100G
- Up to 12x 5 GSPS 14-bit ADCs
- Up to 12x 9.7 GSPS 14-bit DACs
- Add an FPGA-focused module for more programmable logic digital processing
This 2U enclosure is designed with users who need CPU host support, connected to the RFX through PCIe.
Key features:
- One or two RFX modules or a mix of RF + FPGA
- PCIe up to Gen3 x16 with RFX 770
Data Sheet Coming Soon
Interested in Pricing or More Information?
Our technical sales team is ready to provide availability and configuration information, or answer your technical questions.
